Na šta mislimo kada kažemo… Decentralizacija u službi društvene pravde

The publication explores the potential of decentralization as a means of promoting social justice within Serbia’s political and social framework. The authors argue that decentralization, beyond its political and institutional aspects, could have significant economic and social benefits, particularly in enhancing the accessibility and quality of essential public services such as education, healthcare, and social welfare. These services, the authors contend, are fundamental to achieving social justice and should be managed in a way that is both territorially and demographically inclusive.

The study advocates for a shift in Serbia’s approach to decentralization, emphasizing the need for local governments to have greater control and responsibility over these key areas. By analyzing comparative examples from other countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the authors highlight the successes of decentralized systems in enhancing public service delivery and promoting equality. The authors also underscore the relevance of this issue for Serbia’s EU integration, as decentralization aligns with European standards for governance and public service efficiency, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and social cohesion as outlined in the EU’s agenda for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This study is relevant for policymakers aiming to achieve more equitable governance structures, as it suggests that decentralization could be a viable pathway to improving both social justice and democratic engagement in Serbia, aligning local governance with EU integration priorities and the SDGs.